At the Pediatric Motility Center at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, we diagnose and help manage conditions caused by problems in the way food moves through the digestive system.

When food does not move properly from the esophagus to the large intestine, your child can experience uncomfortable intestinal contractions that lead to feeding difficulties.

Symptoms of motility disorders include the following:

abdominal bloating

constipation or fecal incontinence

difficulty swallowing or the sensation that food gets caught after swallowing

New techniques have improved our ability to diagnose and manage these conditions in children. Tests we use include: high-resolution manometry, in which sensors inserted into the stomach via a thin tube test how well the muscles of the esophagus are working; and impedance testing, which measures the amount of acid and nonacid reflux of stomach contents in the esophagus.

Our ambulatory endoscopy unit allows testing to be done in a child friendly, outpatient setting. Treatment options include medical and behavioral therapy, such as biofeedback and self-hypnosis, which are performed and taught by trained practitioners and based on your child’s unique concern.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 212-263-5940.